Tags
Alberta, Calgary, community, Diana Schwenk, dreams, encourage, friends, health, Hump Day Chronicles, joy, living in the moment, Louise Gallagher, meaningful, Relationships, world issues
The language of friendship is not words but meanings. – Henry David Thoreau
On Thursday afternoon I was looking forward to meeting with Louise Gallagher of Dare Boldly.
Louise and I first met offline, through our common passion and work with, and for, people who live on the streets.
Back in those days, Louise initiated a yearly Christmas wine and dine between us – a sacred space of sorts – for us to speak frankly and from our hearts about our joys, concerns and desired collaborative vision for the homeless sector and community living in general.
An open and trusting conversation was born that transcended our respective organizations and the common cause they shared.
And it was Louise who encouraged me to start a blog!
After some hits and misses as to where we would meet (restaurants that don’t exist anymore) we settled on Mannie’s on 17th Avenue.
There we fed our bodies with delicious food and wine and fed each other’s souls with our individual stories and dreams.
I always feel encouraged when we meet up to catch up. Inevitably there is something I am struggling with and saying it out loud and learning from Louise that I am not alone in my struggles, or hearing her perspective lifts my spirit and re-energizes me.
This is the gift of friendship. This is the value of community.
But it wasn’t all about us and our offline tête-à-tête. We talked about the value of our online community, particularly the readers we share in the blogosphere and how your insights and encouragements are a blessing to us.
Perhaps your ears were burning Ann, Val, Julie, Lisa, Elizabeth, Ian and I can’t remember who else!!
~ HUMP DAY CHRONICLES ~
Maybe Jess C. Scott summarized it best when she said, “Friends are the family you choose.”
Click here to read Louise’s story on our Thursday meet.
markbialczak said:
I am so glad you and Louise have each other, Diana, for sacred friends feed the soul! You can just sit and breathe if that’s what the situation calls for, and that would be OK, too, right?!
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dianasschwenk said:
Absolutely right Mark! Louise is a breath of fresh air and a loving human being. 😀
Diana xo
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Sheryl said:
This post is heart-warming. You are fortunate to have such a wonderful friend.
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dianasschwenk said:
Thank you Sheryl and yes I am!
Diana xo
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jmgoyder said:
That made me feel all warm and tingly!
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dianasschwenk said:
Glad to hear it Julie – we’re in your corner! ❤
Diana xo
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When in New Places said:
How amazing, Diana! It’s so fantastic to hear about 2 people’s inspiration radiating offline into a lovely friendship! Friends certainly are the family we choose, love that quote!!
~ Andrea ❤
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dianasschwenk said:
Thanks Andrea, I like both the quotes! Hope all is well with you. 🙂
Diana xo
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Bonnie said:
What a great post and I love when online and offline become not so distinct. And that you both talked about others from the blogosphere – as if all friends across town or down the hall at work. Xo
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dianasschwenk said:
Thanks Bonnie, I have come to really appreciate my online community. ❤
Diana xo
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Ian Munro @ leadingessentially.com said:
Adding my love to all my blogging sacred friends!
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dianasschwenk said:
😀
Diana xo
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joannerambling said:
I am one of those people who feels that online friends are real friends, I know not everyone feels that way but I do
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dianasschwenk said:
Me too Jo-Anne!
Diana xo
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stuffitellmysister said:
Oh lucky BOTH of you!! Two of my favorite peeps spending time together for the good. Love you both! ♥
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dianasschwenk said:
Thank you my dear! Love you too! ❤
Diana xo
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Healing Grief said:
You would make a good friend to anyone Diana, online or offline!
Karen
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dianasschwenk said:
Thank you Karen, how sweet you are. ❤
Diana xo
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Val Boyko said:
Its so lovely to read about your get togethers! Friends and community of like minds is so special ❤
You are both on my Calgary list if I ever get there 😉
Val x
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dianasschwenk said:
Val I hope you do make it out one day, we’ll take you to the beautiful Canadian Rocky Mountains! ❤
Diana xo
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Val Boyko said:
Woohoo!!! 🙂
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jensine said:
I am so grateful for my friends and often wonder what I would do without them
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dianasschwenk said:
A good friend is more precious than gold Jensine!
Diana xo
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jensine said:
even platinum and diamonds
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dianasschwenk said:
haha Yes. Even that! 😉
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elizabeth2560 said:
Ten months and I will join you. Would love to share in the stories and dreams 🙂
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dianasschwenk said:
Are you going to Vancouver Elizabeth? It’s only an 11 hour or so drive to Calgary! 😉 Maybe we could meet in Revelstoke or Salmon Arm or something!
Diana xo
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elizabeth2560 said:
Or I could come to Calgary and we could have a Calgary-bloggers get-together! I will keep you updated on my plans.
🙂
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dianasschwenk said:
Ok! That would be awesome!
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Jennifer's Journal said:
How lovely! I am so grateful louise urged you to blog; otherwise I may never have gotten to “meet” you. ❤
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dianasschwenk said:
So true Jennifer – I am grateful to have met you as well! ❤
Diana xo
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Louise Gallagher said:
You make my heart smile!
\
Thank you for the gift — of friendship and time shared and our shared journey.
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dianasschwenk said:
You’re welcome – the feeling is mutual my friend! ❤
Diana xo
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billgncs said:
🙂
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dianasschwenk said:
Bill, I almost took pictures of the food and wine (just for you)!
Diana xo
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billgncs said:
don’t you think that the sharing of food over friendship always makes it taste better 🙂
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dianasschwenk said:
yes and also the sharing of friendship over food. 😀
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cyclingrandma said:
So wonderful that you’re “real” friends as well as online friends! As I wrote on Louise’s post– someday I hope to join you for that meeting! xo
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dianasschwenk said:
Wouldn’t that be something Lisa? I would love that. ❤
Diana xo
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